Defense Information System Network

The Defense Information System Network (DISN), managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), is the Department of Defense's (DoD) consolidated global telecommunications infrastructure. Its primary goal is to provide secure, resilient, and interoperable information transport for DoD operations. The DISN supports warfighters and Combatant Commanders with robust Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) capabilities. It integrates terrestrial, subsea, wireless, mobile, and satellite communications into a scalable network cloud, ensuring worldwide access and survivability for operational missions.

DISN Technology Refresh (TR) funding supports the periodic replacement, enhancement, and refurbishment of DISN system components to maintain supportability and extend service life. Funding has been used to detect and resolve vulnerabilities in Combatant Command (COCOM) sites, procure assets for survivable networking, and support allied node additions. The TR program was dissolved in FY 2025, with funding realigned to support IP Enabling and EPC/SECN missions, reflecting a strategic shift toward targeted technology upgrades and integration.

Enhanced Pentagon Capability (EPC)/Survivable Emergency Conferencing Network (SECN) aims to modernize classified communications networks for senior DoD leaders, meeting stringent nuclear technical performance criteria. Funding supports procurement and integration of cryptographic devices, network interface cards, VOIP boards, and contractor labor for equipment installation at multiple sites. The objective is to replace obsolete hardware, maintain cybersecurity compliance, and ensure continuous availability and optimal performance of secure communications.

Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Data Transport (AISR-DT) and Resilient Ground Infrastructure (RGI) are critical for delivering real-time sensor data from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aircraft to globally dispersed users. Investments in tactical relay antennas, transport network systems, platform modems, Ka/Ku-band terminals, and integration of low earth orbit (LEO) satellite capabilities are planned. These upgrades, driven by lessons learned from recent conflicts and the Gateway Optimization and Resiliency Study, aim to increase redundancy, survivability, and capacity across 15 global ground entry points. This supports information superiority and operational readiness.

Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN) provides multi-level secure voice calling and conferencing from SECRET to TS/SCI for national and military leadership. Procurement funds support the replacement and installation of cryptographic devices, Oracle session border controllers, Juniper routers, and network operations center hardware. The Joint Cyber Implementation Program (JCIP) funds contractor labor for integration and installation, focusing on maintaining secure, up-to-date communications infrastructure and compliance with cybersecurity policies.

IP Enabling focuses on technology refresh for the DoD Network Information Center (NIC), ensuring continued delivery of Domain Name System (DNS) capabilities for both classified and unclassified DISN networks. Funding supports upgrades at 14 sites, addressing end-of-life equipment and accessories to retain vendor support and mitigate security vulnerabilities. This initiative is essential for maintaining the integrity and reliability of DoD internet and intranet services.

Additional line items include DISN Resiliency (formerly Hypercore Reconfiguration), which adds redundancy and eliminates vulnerabilities in the DISN core infrastructure through classified investments. Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) funds deployable satellite-enabled DISN nodes for global connectivity. Starlink UKR provides a one-time procurement of portable user terminals for Ukraine. Multi-Level Secure Video and Voice (MLSV2) supports classified secure conferencing modernization. These objectives reflect DISA's commitment to modernizing, securing, and expanding the DISN to meet evolving operational, cybersecurity, and mission requirements.